Omar Samhan Interview | I’m a BeastBy: Michael Fong

I recently had the opportunity to speak with St. Mary’s College senior center, Omar Samhan. Samhan is a powerful inside man for the Gaels who recently won the WCC Tournament Title and punched in their automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Last season, Samhan was disappointed when his Gaels were invited to National Invitational Tournament (NIT), instead of the NCAA Tournament. The Gaels had won 3 games in the NIT before falling to San Diego State in the semifinals.

Samhan’s Gaels had an excellent season going 26-5 before heading into the 2010 NCAA Tournament. He averaged 20.9 points per game, 11 rebounds per game, shot 73.7% from the free throw line, and had 3 blocks per game.

Omar Samhan is a strong and passionate guy who works hard and does whatever he can for his team to win and succeed.

NBADraft.net: What are you majoring in?

Omar Samhan: Communications Major

NBADraft.net: How is it playing with a bunch of Australians?

Omar Samhan: It is really a cultural experience like no other. I get to play with a bunch of different guys for Australia love to play and work hard.

NBADraft.net: What are your impressions of your season so far, and how prepared do you feel your team has proven it self to be in the NCAA Tournament?

Omar Samhan: I think the season has been a success. We’ve worked really hard and in our last 3 games, we’ve played with a lot of confidence and we had a little swagger in our step.

NBADraft.net: How intense of a rivalry is it with Gonzaga?

Omar Samhan: The rivalry with Gonzaga is as intense as it gets. At the end of the game, we didn’t even shake their hands but we do have a mutual respect for each other.

NBADraft.net: What does it feel like to finally beat Gonzaga in the WCC Tournament game?

Omar Samhan: It feels great to finally get it done especially as a senior and in the WCC Tournament game. The hard work has really showed off and it’s a great feeling.

NBADraft.net: What does it mean for you to be honored as the WCC Defensive Player of the Year?

Omar Samhan: It’s a big honor to receive the award because a lot of people have knocked me off because of my defense but I’ve really tried to improve blocking shots and forcing turnovers. It’s a tribute to my coaches for coaching me well and playing hard.

NBADraft.net: Whom have you played against or you are going to play that you look forward to the most?

Omar Samhan: I look forward to playing AJ Ogilvy again. The last time I played him, I got 25 and 18. But whomever else we’re going to be playing the tournament will be an exciting game for us and I look forward to playing them.

NBADraft.net: Who was your favorite player growing up?

Omar Samhan: Isaiah Thomas and Dennis Rodman were probably my favorite players because they had a swagger to them and the played hard.

NBADraft.net: You’ve transformed your body since being a high school senior, how much has that helped and do you see room for more improvement?

Omar Samhan: I’ve lost 60 pounds since my senior year in high school and it has helped a lot in my game. It has helped me get up and down the court better and it has really changed my game.

NBADraft.net: How would you describe yourself as a player?

Omar Samhan: I am a blue-collar guy, your average Joe with a little extra height who just has a real passion for the game and works hard.

NBADraft.net: Is there any specific player you have modeled your game after?

Omar Samhan: I haven’t really modeled my game after anyone but it’s similar to how Brad Miller plays.

NBADraft.net: Have you spoken to Patty Mills and Diamond Simpson on their draft preparation and experiences? Have they given you any advice?

Omar Samhan: I’ve talked to them, they’re my good friends, and they told me to just go to the workouts for the teams and to do really well in them. Diamon Simpson was telling me that he was getting buddy-buddy with the other guys but if he were to do it again, he would’ve killed them when they were playing. You’re going to be fighting for the same job so you have to really kill them in the workouts.

NBADraft.net: At the professional level what position do you see yourself playing?

Omar Samhan: I see myself playing the 5, a center. But if they need me to play the 4 at the next level, it could be a possibility that I could work on.

NBADraft.net: What do you feel you need to work on the most for the next level?

Omar Samhan: I just need to work more on my athletic ability and working on my body. It’s very doable and something that I think that can help me get to the next level.

NBADraft.net: Is there anything else you would like to say to our readers?

Omar Samhan: “I’m a beast.”